Entire home

Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley

Photo gallery for Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley

Interior
Balcony
Exterior
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 42000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
El Rito, NM
  • Popular LocationCarson National Forest1 min walk
  • Popular LocationChrist in the Desert Monastery30 min drive
  • Popular LocationGhost Ranch47 min drive
  • AirportTaos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)61 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley

Casa Ambrosia is nestled in total peace and privacy, surrounded by tall cottonwood, pine, and oak trees, with an expansive view of the pastoral river valley of El Rito and the majestic Sangre de Cristo mountains off in the distance.

This wonderful, comfortable, and serene hideaway accommodates 4-5 people. The uniquely designed passive solar adobe house with high wood ceilings and impressive vigas is spacious and filled with light. There is a large semi-circular sun room, built like a sunken kiva, that is designed after Casa Grande in Chaco Canyon. There is one bath with tub and shower and two large bedrooms, each with a spectacular view. The softly curved walls of most rooms create a calm and nurturing environment. A fireplace adds to the warmth and comfort of the radiant floor heat. And along with great indoor living and dining spaces, there is a covered patio for outdoor dining and relaxation. A newly added hot tub on the front patio is perfect for relaxation and stargazing year round.

Casa Ambrosia borders the mountainous Carson National Forest and you can hike for hundreds of miles right out the back door. A short drive takes you to a creekside trail leading to Potrero Falls amidst tall Ponderous pines and aspens, or to a dramatic outcropping of volcanic upthrust near a shady stream. Nearby forest roads lead you to high mountain meadows filled with wildflowers and streams and breathtaking views, or off into desert canyonlands, with red cliff walls and towering rock formations. In winter, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are great pastimes. Year round, the very clear night sky is perfect for stargazing.

The historic village of El Rito has it's own charm, including a well-supplied library, a traditionally-built adobe church, and El Farolito, a small family restaurant, world famous for its authentic northern New Mexico cuisine, recommended in the Rand McNally Road Atlas and Gourmet Magazine. Their red and green chili dishes are delicious and very reasonable.

Casa Ambrosia is 15 miles north of Abiquiu, with it's stunningly beautiful lake for swimming and boating. In the village of Abiquiu, you can tour the home and studio of world reknowned painter Georgia O'Keefe, and visit the Rising Moon Gallery, bursting with high quality art by local artists. And further north in Chama, you can ride the historic Toltec Railroad through the high mountains, catching the glory of the changing colors of Fall.

Casa Ambrosia is 14 miles west of the beautifully appointed Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Spa and Resort, with a variety of natural mineral pools to soak in, plenty of massage and spa treatments to choose from, and a delicious restaurant to top off an adventurous day.

Only one hour to Santa Fe, and about the same to Taos, you can enjoy all kinds of fine dining, live music, museums, galleries, boutique shops, antique stores, films, opera, and much more. Both Santa Fe and Taos have ski basins, and there are several golf courses in the area. There are many national monuments and historic sites in the area, including Bandelier with it's ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Whether you're seeking cultural activities, ancient history, or natural beauty, there's something for everyone in this compelling heartland of Northern New Mexico.


Keywords: country house, passive solar design, adobe home, custom built, rural, natural setting, forest, mountains, meadows, water, hiking, skiing, swimming, cultural activities, ancient history, nature, pueblos, opera, golf, lake, fishing

Property manager

Alicia

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Ski lift privileges
  • Ski-in/ski-out access
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 4 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Porch is available for smoking outdoors.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall

Things to do

  • Ski lift privileges on site
  • Ski-in/ski-out access on site
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
4 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Please bring bedding for your pets.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

El Rito

Located in El Rito, this vacation home is in the mountains. Black Mesa Winery and Vivac Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Carson National Forest and Rio Chama. Girasol Gift Shop at Bode's and Casa Cristal Pottery are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Carson National Forest - 1 min walk
  • Christ in the Desert Monastery - 30 min drive
  • Dar Al Islam Mosque - 30 min drive
  • Plaza Blanca - 33 min drive
  • Ghost Ranch - 47 min drive

Getting around

  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Farolito Restaurant - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 4 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley located?

Offering ski-in/ski-out access, this vacation home in El Rito is in the mountains, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Carson National Forest, and close to winter activities such as cross-country skiing and sledding. Rio Chama is 12.4 mi (20 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 171 out of 189 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 189 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 189 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 189 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 189 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pamela M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and secluded
Great getaway very peaceful and quiet, definitely recommend to get away from big city and towns.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful weekend away!
My wife and I really enjoyed our time in Casa Ambrosia. The adobe home was very comfortable and tucked away on a private lot. The host was very responsive and we would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Davey H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
Perfect location for many day trips and a nice place to return to. Can’t go better with a hot tub to unwind in and plenty of room for your dog to roam. No neighbors and star gazing was amazing. Thank you Alicia for sharing Casa Ambrosia!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherri R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Place!!
We loved our stay!! The house is beautiful and so clean. The bed and pillows were amazing too, such a bonus!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casa Ambrosia Weekend
We definitely enjoyed our stay at Casa Ambrosia! Wish we couldve stayed longer. Beds were comfy, nice temperature, nice views, clean, and the hottub was great! Felt like everything was thought through to be a guest here. I would definitely book again. Cant imagine how pretty it would be during the summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shey F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great remote stay
Rented the house for our 20th wedding anniversary. The host was very responsive and provided us with great information. The house was remote and well maintained.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

Liked: Cleanliness
cozy getaway
My husband and I came up to the area with our gravel bikes but a snow storm prevented us from doing much riding. We enjoyed a few snow days here and the hot tub and fireplace kept us toasty. The property was quiet and beautiful! Some previous reviews mentioned bugs, but they weren't an issue for us (we like rustic and remote). The bed was very comfy. Definitely pack all your food necessities because the property is pretty far from amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Views in Comfort
Worth the drive! Wonderful amenities and super vistas! Host was awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

mary j.

Liked: Cleanliness
BIrthday celebration
My daughter, her dog and I went to El Rito to celebrate her birthday. Drove from Denver. Casa Ambrosia was amazing. The view, the hot tub, the fireplace, the hikes - all perfect. Town of El Rito was a special surprise!! Can't wait to go back Mary
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annette B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning view
The house was beautiful. It was equipped with everything you need plus some. The host was very attentive with our needs and questions. Highly recommend for a stay in New Mexico.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob M.

A great remote getaway.
We enjoyed our 5 year Anniversary celebration at this wonderful property. The property owner is fast responding. The property is well represented. Quiet. Peaceful. Full kitchen , hot tub and great views. A true gem in Northern new mexico. We recommend the abiquiu inn for local cuisine. It is remote as represented. Take groceries or go to bode's general store.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Wonderful property Tip: Use map apps to get to El Rito but use hosts map to find property as app will lead you astray ;) Cheers
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness
One of the best properties and the best host...
This property is a gem. It is located far enough away from SF and any hint of city, and down a dirt highway, nestled in woods, except for the expansive view across plains, pasture, and the mountains. Atmbrosia is designed to maximize the views, as much as it is to make the highest use of the opportunity to collect natural heat from the sunlight. The kitchen area is spacious, and we prepared meals--the kitchen is well-stocked. The hot tub and the fireplace added the cozy and romantic quality that we desired. Our host, Alicia, was very responsive, and she was thoughtful in responding to a schedule change necessitated by an impending winter storm. We were reluctant to leave the property, and would have preferred to add days here to our schedule to wait out the storm instead of fleeing it. We drove to Ghost Ranch on one of our forays away from the property, and we ate twice at a sweet, smart and tasty cafe, Sierra Negra. We want someday to return to this place to spend more time. Thank you, Alicia, for an ideal experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bart B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend trip
My partner and I stayed at Casa Ambrosia for a long weekend. We had a great time hiking with our dogs and riding the local trails. There are many trails that can be taken right from the house without driving anywhere. This was a huge plus for us. The drive there from Denver is also very scenic. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
My daughter and I had a wonderful time at Ambrosia. It’s a perfect spot with great hiking nearby and exploring the area. A great location for day trips and coming ‘home’ to the peaceful quiet. The kitchen was has everything you need to cook.meals. Both bedrooms are spacious and the beds were super comfy. The host is quick to respond and provided lots of information on the area. Highly recommend the restaurant in town, El Farolito. It’s a hidden gem.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S., Annapolis

Liked: Cleanliness
A little slice of heaven
Wonderful rural location just outside of a small town full of character. Comfortable, quiet property with the opportunity to wander the hills in the Carson National Forest behind the house. Very responsive host. Easy access to Abiquiu and within an hour’s drive of Taos. Beautiful scenery.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

robert k.

Liked: Cleanliness
el rico visit
The property exceeded our expectations. Clean, private, and near the sites we wanted to visit. We would definately rent it again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Refreshing Getaway
Peaceful home to relax and get away. Hot tub is nice after a long day of hiking. Road is a little rough getting there, but adds to the seclusion.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Splendid isolation in northern NM
A beautiful property, clean and comfortable, great location away from crowds but accessible to nature in all directions. Our dog was happy to roam along the stream out back. The house is well-designed and well-built with all the amenities. We will return!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C., Maryville,Mo 64468

Liked: Cleanliness
Serenity on steroids
Loved it
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay
We enjoyed the home. It was stunning and cozy! The views and house are gorgeous. The attention to detail and information made our experience great as well. Nicole and Josh
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colin G., Birmingham UK

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent peaceful stay
The property is in a very quiet situation, which has many wild bird visitors including several types of hummingbirds. The Casa is luxurious and very well equipped. Being very close to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch (where the important artist Geaorgia O'Keeffe lived), and equidistant between Taos and Santa Fe, the location is excellent for exploring this part of New Mexico. We highly recommend this accommodation.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness
So quiet and lovely!
Photos do not do this place justice! Casa Ambrosia is set in a little community surrounded by hills and blue skies and cool night air and birds and more stars than you’ve seen in a long while. Hit El Farolito for late lunch, the sopapillas are out of this world. The kitchen at Casa Ambrosia has all the stuff you’ll need to make your meals successfully. Beds are cozy. Bathroom was clean and also well-stocked. Get your groceries at the biggest city you flew into, as there are few / lean options near by. Thanks for an amazing and restful stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris B., Kerrville

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice country setting
We had a peaceful visit and enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Friedemann D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay in a very relaxing property
Bright, quiet, with all modern amenities. Casa Ambrosia was one of the best vacation properties ever, and Alicia the perfect host. She even mailed us two hiking water bottles we had forgotten for our pooches! Five stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023